"Thank you, for making us proud."

Thus said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today as he presented to Nestor Sulpico a presidential citation for honesty and "doing the right thing," in returning to the owner $70,000 worth of assorted black pearls left in his cab.

Sulpico, a Fil-American taxi driver in New York, became an instant celebrity when the story of his exemplary deed was broadcast by two international TV networks and a local TV station.

The 46-year-old Suplico returned home last Monday to visit his family in Leganes, Iloilo and receive the President’s award in Malacañang.

The President lauded Sulpico for showing to the whole world the exemplary Filipino virtues of honesty and goodness. She also gave a cash reward of P100,000.

"Maraming salamat for making us proud, kampeon ka din sa karangalan at katapatan (Thank you for making us proud, you are also a model for honesty and dignity)," she told him.

In the citation, the President told Sulpico: "You have demonstrated to the world the Filipino virtue of honesty, for doing the right and honorable thing, you have made your family, country proud and good."

Sulpico was accompanied by several of his closest friends.